And because of that, I’m taking a quick break from my Rain Career Music special series (4 installments so far) to celebrate that which we all love β Christmas Rain Spam. We all love us some Rain overload at Christmas and New Year’s, don’t we?
January will start off with the next Rain album installment (#5). For now, though…
Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to you all. β€οΈ
SCROLL DOWN β this post to learn more and see my Christmas Rain compilation (credited as tagged). Please enjoy! ^@@^
ANNOUNCEMENT: We noticed many pictures on our homepages weren’t loading anymore… As it turns out, our web host has moved to a new platform and we need to do the same (follow them). Co-founder Terri is working hard behind the scenes to rebuild our site and move it to the new web location. Please don’t worry β our blog is not affected and our new site will be up and running smoothly soon. PLEASE PARDON OUR MESS OVER THERE! π
Last Monday, 11/25, Ninja Assassin celebrated its 10th anniversary! The film that made Rain the FIRST Korean national to land the lead role in a Hollywood movie premiered in 2009 and caused quite a stir in many circles and demographics, oh yes.
Seems like just yesterday, here in Metro Atlanta, my friend and fellow martial arts aficionado Darrell said to me in an autumn 2008 E-mail, “Hey. Did you hear about this new movie being filmed, Ninja Assassin? It’s starring some K-Pop singer named Rain. What do you think? Should we be excited?” This was how I found out about the upcoming movie and Rain’s role in it.
Rain and his movie billboard at Times Square in late 2009. So proud! ^@@^
And PLEASE, don’t get it twisted. Dancers do have expiration dates, but there is none on vocal cords. There will always be Rain music. This man will never stop singing and recording. Trust!
Read on to also find out about his plans and goals for the future. π
(Yonhap Interview) New film ‘Uhm Bok-dong’ pushes Rain to his physical limit
SEOUL, Feb. 21 (Yonhap) — Having entered the K-pop scene as a teenager, Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, has shown no lack of stamina so far while staging physically challenging pop performances on the K-pop scene.
Even given Jung’s unusually well-built physique, filming “Uhm Bok-dong,” a new drama film where he plays the main role, was a consuming physical challenge like never before.
You know what time it is! Grab a fork and your favorite dressing, toss well, and enjoy! ^@@^
6/10/2019.Fan cam, English. A truly endearing video from Rain’s North American fan meeting, in Vancouver, Canada. Included: Him and his birthday cake (tastes salty… oh, sorry, that was my finger LOL) and a fan cracking him up so much that he had trouble singing “Love Story.” Aww! β€ And his VOICE. So. Pretty. ^@@^ (Source and credit: Alice Cho)
Dazed, confused, and trying to understand Tumblr’s problem. ^@@^
Imagine β you open up your Tumblr one day to see what folks have posted and to check your feed. Without warning, weird red and blue banners are in your face, screeching at you, announcing you’ve been FLAGGED for ADULT CONTENT.
This happened when I went on our Cloud USA Tumblr some months ago! Oh, it’s true!
We’re sending a box of Christmas gifts to Rain this year. Do you know what would make that even more special? If the box was also filled with Christmas and New Year’s greeting cards from Rain’s Clouds, from North America and around the world.
Things have been quite trying this year for some, and tight and lean for us all. If you can’t afford a gift for Rain, you’re not alone. We collected some nice things for him over the summer and fall, for fans who want to gift him but for whatever reason, can’t. So, send your Christmas greetings! Send your New Year’s greetings, so we can put them in the box.
We will be paying the postage to R.A.I.N. Company. However, if anyone would like to help us out with that, we’re happy to take donations. Just let us know and we’ll tell you how.
As we understand it, at the 24th Consumer Day Cultural Entertainment Awards yesterday, Rain received the Actor of the Year Award as voted on by the public. Congratulations, Rain! Korean consumers loved Welcome 2 Life. That’s one more for your display shelves!
The event took place at the COEX Auditorium in Samsung-dong, Seoul. ^@@^
Or Hallyu Pia. Or Korean Pia, depending on who’s translating. And that’s okay, because all three translations mean the same thing. This is a Japanese magazine that serves up what’s hot in the Hallyu Wave (Korean Wave) that’s still rolling across Asia.
According to the product description on order site Pia Book, cutie patootie actor Yeo Jin Goo is on the front cover; K-Pop group ATEEZ is on the back cover. Rain has an interview in the magazine and is also part of a postcard sheet.
11/20/2019. Magic Show (ιεSHOW), run by Trendy Man Group out of Sanya, China, has invited Rain to their summit from November 29 to December 1. Unfortunate fact #1: This will be a private event.
Unfortunate fact #2: What with the language barrier and certain parts of the Magic Show site banned to folks outside of China, I cannot get a good bead on exactly what this thing is. Seems like a high-end health and beauty line, and I see where Rain has thrown his hat in the ring as far as their collagen acai drink goes. Huge thanks to Shihorain for pointing me in the right direction… *thumbs up*^@@^ (Images source credit: mlshow.net)
His name plate says, “Uhm Bok Dongβ€οΈRain.” π ^@@^
5/15/2019. Some of you recall how, while Rain was filming movie Endless August and was brand ambassador to several conglomerates in China, a ban on Korean stars performing in China took effect because of political difficulties. This Arirang news report about the 2019 Asian Culture Carnival in Beijing talked about how Rain is the first Korean star invited to perform in China since the ban, and how such a high profile event could mean the ban is over. Wow… ! ^@@^
3/29/2019. Aaaah, so cute! As I understand it, this young lady β who was a fan 10 years ago when she was very young β saw Rain, took a chance, and asked him for a selfie with her. He was so friendly and polite, she was thrilled. What a lucky duck! ^@@^ (Images credit: FRESHFRANKIE @ sina weibo & @ IG)
2002. Clip. In an incredibly special Blast from the past, adorable λΉ introduces himself and his debut album n001. I so love this! I’m so in love! HUGE thanks to RAINCloud Europe, Harudo11, and Kamila625 for their hard work on this gem. *muaw*^@@^
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2/20/2019. Intro. Hot off the heels of modeling BOY LONDON’s 2018 Fall/Winter Collection, Rain introduced the fashion house’s 2019 Spring/Summer line as well! ^@@^ (Images credit: boylondon_ltd @ IG.)
Early this year, Rain participated in promotions galore for his most recent movie μμ μ°¨μ μ볡λ (Bicycle King Uhm Bok Dong, a.k.a. Race To Freedom: Uhm Bok Dong). Included in those promos were interviews and photo shoots for several major media outlets.
(Image credit: rain_oppa @ IG. He was so excited about being honored with the Asia Society’s 2019 Entertainment Game Changer Award, his head was spinning, haha~ β€ ^@@^
From the 2019 U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit & Game Changer Awards Gala, in LA. You can see the event schedule HERE, and program book HERE. ^@@^
The Rain (Jung Ji-Hoon) during the Asia Society 2019 U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit and Game Changer Awards Dinner at the Skirball Cultural Center on Nov. 5, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging)
Whoa. I just checked down the blog β waaaay down the blog β and Rain’s 2019 photo shoots from Esquire Magazine and 1st Look Magazine are not here. How could they be on our social media but not here? Especially when they’re like, the best things since sliced bread?
*shaking my head*
Posting these babies, including Esquire and 1st Look blasts from the past. Right now!! Bad Stephe. Bad Stephe!!!
See them and drool, y’all. ^@@^
Down below: 1st Look, Vol 171 NEVER MIND, March 2019. You can see Rain’s 2011 photo shoot in 1st Look mag β endorsing Adidas 3-in-1 Outdoor wear β HERE and HERE.
You know the drill. Appearing on the street and shutting it down, having fun with fans and passers-by, then a sit-down with the host, this time to promote movie Uhm Bok Dong. I love Guerrilla interviews (a.k.a. Star Dates). I hope he has more in the coming years! π
I couldn’t find an English-subbed version on KBS World… wonder why? Did I just overlook it? ^@@^
Not because there’s anything wrong with it β there isn’t. It’s well written and researched (with the exception of one small error) and gives Rain and his superb acting chops what they deserve. It’s a great write-up!
Rain’s latest stint in Kstyle Magazine (based in Japan) talks about Welcome 2 Life coming to Japanese television this month, asks what would HE be in a parallel world, and other interesting things. The images are AMAZING. Just scroll down and look at him!
If a kind soul were to rise to the challenge of providing an English translation of the article on Kstyle β
With his co-honoree, President Wei Zhang of Alibaba Pictures! π ^@@^
We’re so proud of him, we’re just beside ourselves, you know? Not only because he was chosen for the award, but because he earned it.
Our game changer has been envelope-pushing and opening doors for his juniors and those coming along after him all of his career. He has a list of “firsts” longer than your arm. The buckets of blood, sweat, and tears has paid off, with so much more coming our way from this phenomenal entertainer. The future looks so bright, we have to wear… well, you know. π
Rain, loving and believing in you and your continuing goals is easy as pie. νμ΄ν !!! ^@@^
Asia Society, full program. Rain’s introduction video starts at minute marker 1:50:20. And OMG β he was introduced by Daniel Dae Kim! WOW. And yes β he said “make some noise” like it was a concert and I cracked up, bwahaha! *thumbs up* ^@@^
Rain looked as sharp as a tack and as stunning as the roses surrounding him at the LancΓ΄me Absolue VIP Event, which took place in the Star Lounge at the Lotte Duty Free Shop in Seoul, back at the end of September.
It’s been a big couple of months for our precious little “Raindrop.” She just turned 2 in International years (in Korean years, she’s 3), and she has a newborn baby sister to boot!
Gosh, we couldn’t be happier for Rain, wife Kim Tae Hee, and their beautiful little family. We’ve wanted this for Rain for such a long time. And though he will love all of his children unconditionally no matter what gender they are, he’s always wanted and adored daughters.
Remember this 2010 appearance on variety/talk show Strong Heart? His dream of daughters then has come true now. Yay! ^_^
DIGITAL SINGLE for download/streaming: “The Love of Autumn” / known internationally as “Beginning” [μμν κΉ, λ] LABEL: Starship Entertainment DISTRIBUTOR: Kakao M Corp.
The single dropped on September 16, 2019. I think the actors in the music video may be idols signed to Starship. I don’t know about y’all, but this song grew on me fast. Rain used his “soothing” voice and used it well. He’s going to be crooning for years to come! Soyou has a pretty voice that wraps around his in such a cute way, doesn’t she?
As y’all know, four celebrated game changers β Rain (a.k.a. the original worldstar, The King of K-Pop), the president of Walt Disney Imagineering, the president of Alibaba Pictures, and Wang Lee Hom (a.k.a. The King of Chinese Pop) β are being awarded global Asia Society‘s highest honor tonight in Los Angeles.
You also know Korea’s Magic Feet wasn’t going to just sit in his hotel. π
MBCβs Monday-Tuesday drama βWelcome 2 Lifeβ aired its finale on September 24 after deliveringΒ endless tears, laughs, and nerves to their viewers during its run.
Quick cams! You know how it is in Japan β taking photos or videos during a fan meeting is not allowed by venue management, unless you’re news media. Security will come in your face and take your stuff, and/or put fans out. So we commend our Cloud Thai sisters for their bravery and tenacity! ^@@^
11/1/2019. It’s Japan’s turn to watch Welcome 2 Life! Rain’s latest Korean TV drama is coming to the CS Satellite Channel later this month (looks like on the 21st). Awesome! ^@@^ (Screen shots: Stephe @ CloudUSA. Source credit: CSγγ£γ³γγ« θ‘ζεε ΄ / eigeki.com)
10/17/2019. Fan made. Cloud Japan’s video greeting to Rain at his fan meetings there last month. Aww β€ π ^@@^
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10/31/2019. News clip. This entertainment report talks about Rain being honored in L.A. by the Asia Society Southern California this coming Tuesday, and also that Rain is considering his next drama or film. Yippee! π ^@@^
It’s tradition, Rain at his hyung‘s water-sprayed concert! It’s tradition, the audience singing Rain’s songs and teasing him by chanting his wife’s name, haha. ^^ If you didn’t know that, just search for “summer swag” in our sidebar’s search box. See? π
This year, there were about 11 Summer Swag shows in different cities across Korea. Rain was a guest performer at the August 10 show at Jamsil Olympic Stadium, a.k.a. Seoul Sports Complex.
I’ve tripled down on the fan cams just in case some are taken down by the owners in the future. Enjoy! ^@@^
Fan cams. “Rainism.” That shirt. Those pants. That dance. Good thing they had water to throw and cool him off. π Also, “It’s Raining” and “Escaping the Sun.” Just… WOW. ^@@^ (Cams credit: Fun Korea)
Rain (Korean) and Wang Lee Hom (American-Taiwanese) are 2 of 4 honorees to be awarded as entertainment game-changers during this year’s U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit & Game Changer Awards Dinner on Tuesday, 11/5 in at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. This is the Summit’s tenth year.
If anyone deserves an award of this caliber, it’s Jung JiHoon. He changed K-Pop. He changed modeling and the definition of beauty. He changed Hollywood’s view. He’s become iconic in the fashion world. And, more. Even today, he is a force that is transforming entertainment and the Asia Society of Southern California agrees.
Rain has a new hashtag, everybody. π #gamechanger
There has been an influx of new Clouds and new Rain fans, and Rain has mentioned working on new music. Don’t know if he is or not, but now is a great time to go all the way back and get folks up to speed on his albums, from 1998 to 2017!
Also that year, TV drama Full House (with Song HyeKyo) premiered in 11 Asian countries plus Australia and India, and made him a household name and the originator of the Korean Wave that rolled over Asia. The drama was so popular, its ratings were as high at 52% and it spawned a massive fan base. Everyone would stop what they were doing wherever they were and watch this show!
In Korea, there are singers who act, and actors who sing. Rain is one of a rare few who is considered an actor and a singer equally by the Korean people. AND he had his very first live concert (RAINY DAY) three months after album It’s Raining dropped.
The song “It’s Raining” is still celebrated by the industry, journalists, and music aficionados today. I expect it always will be. π β StepheΒ ^@@^
Fan cam, 2019. “It’s Raining” at the Z_Pop Dream Live Concert in Seoul, this past February 2019. He’s still got it!! ^@@^ (Credit: mang2goon)
“Welcome 2 Life” [μ°μ»΄2λΌμ΄ν] GIFs credit: R.A.I.N. Company / MBC.
There are waaay too many good shows of all kinds on TV in many countries and online these days and we need a place to dish about ’em, am I right? What say you? Let’s discuss! ^@@^
WE GOT SPOILERS. Please back out of here & DON’T SCROLL unless you’re good with that.
The previous Cloud-watching post from 5/26/2018 β 10/11/2019 is HERE. ^@@^
There has been a large influx of new Clouds and new Rain fans, and Rain has mentioned working on new music. So, now is a great time to go all the way back and get folks up to speed on his albums, from 1998 to 2017!
My third installment of this series celebrates the time when 21-year-old λΉ began using his name in English for the first time β Rain β and dropped his second album in October 2003, Rain2 (a.k.a. How To Avoid The Sun). He had SO much going on in addition to new music β his first leading role in a TV drama, a best new actor award, a most popular TV actor award, tons of live performances, game shows, interviews, CFs, promos and shoots β and handled it all with charm and grace. ^@@^
DID YOU KNOW? If not for this album, Rain’s first martial arts role would not have been Ninja Assassin. It would have been Fighter of Wind. But, the scheduling conflicts were too great to overcome. You can read about it in my previous post HERE!
SCROLL DOWN β this post to learn more and see my compilation of images, songs, MVs, track lists, TV spots, and TV appearances (credited as tagged). Please enjoy! ^@@^
ANNOUNCEMENT: We noticed many pictures on our homepages weren’t loading anymore… As it turns out, our web host has moved to a new platform and we need to do the same (follow them). Co-founder Terri is working hard behind the scenes to rebuild our site and move it to the new web location. Please don’t worry β our blog is not affected and our new site will be up and running smoothly soon. PLEASE PARDON OUR MESS OVER THERE! π
REMINDER: Rain’s new MBC TV drama, Welcome 2 Life [μ°μ»΄2λΌμ΄ν] premiered on Korean TV on August 5, and can be viewed in North America with English subs and in crystal clarity on Kocowa and Viki (we’re watching on Kocowa!). Please see my previous post HERE for more details. Please support him and enjoy the show!
Yesterday, R.A.I.N. Company took to their Naver blog and gave us all a gorgeous collection of their favorite Welcome 2 Life TV drama stills and GIFs that showcase Rain’s starring role as Lawyer/Prosecutor Lee Jae Sang to a “T”!
Rain isn’t called “The Man of 1000 Faces” for nothing, folks.
**Edited to add 11/4/2019: 11-video playlist by Super Shin Studio, including song fan chants and an LED version of “Hip Song”. We like! ^@@^
ORIGINAL POST β
Image credit: μ λλ¦Ό μ¬μ₯ / 154_iko as tagged. SCROLL down for more images!
Hi, Clouds, Rain fans, readers and friends! β€ I went offline around this time (February) for 5 months, to take care of my Dad and my brother full time, so this is an event I missed.
Time to catch up! π
This Dream concert with multiple artists took place at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul on February 23. ^@@^
Fan cams. Hip Song, It’s Raining, Escaping the Sun, Love Song, and Rainism. Great job, fan cammer! ^@@^ (Cams credit: supershinstudio)
**Edited to add 7/24: In addition to Kocowa, looks like Welcome 2 Life will also be shown on Viki, for all you Viki-watchers! Halleluia, the more the merrier! ^_^ β Page link: https://www.viki.com/tv/36642c-welcome2life
ORIGINAL POST ββ
Original image credit: Kocowa TV / kocowa @ FB.
Rain, his cast mates, and the production crew have been filming his new K-drama Welcome 2 Life since May. The first episode premieres on MBC in roughly a week, on Monday, July 29two weeks, on Monday, August 5 (I just read about a schedule change about 30 minutes ago).
You know what I’ve been constantly wondering over the summer, don’t you? With DramaFever viciously yanked away from us all last fall, how the hell are we supposed to watch it on this side of the Pacific, huh?
Behind every Cloud is a silver lining. His name is RAIN.
Cloud USA (EST. January 21, 2010) is a promotional/fan site where all English-speaking Rain Clouds of every age and ethnicity around the globe can share in their love of JI-HOON JUNG, the talented Korean artist known the world over as RAIN [λΉ] (Bi). We want to provide a comprehensive introduction of Rain to those who may not know much about him, as well as help increase his presence in North America.
We also would like to further the popularity of Korean art and culture in the United States.
ENGLISH SPEAKERS FROM ALL COUNTRIES ARE WELCOME HERE. We hope you will visit and participate often!
Cloud USA
c/o Terri Robinson & Stephe Thornton
P.O. Box 1506
Mableton, GA 30126
EMAIL:letitrain [at] cloudusa [dot] org
We are not associated with Rain and his management companies in any way. No copyright infringement intended; all videos (embedded or linked; there are NO uploads) and images remain the property of RAIN and their respective owners and are used for promotional purposes of Rain only.
